Apparatus for vacuum and/or blowing of debris

ABSTRACT

Vacuum and blowing apparatus is provided having means for selecting between a first vacuum mode and a second blowing mode. A base portion of the apparatus is in contact with a surface from which debris is to be collected and/or across or relative to which debris is to be blown in use and, depending from the base portion, a body portion of the apparatus supports a collection box for the reception of debris collected from the surface.

The invention which is the subject of this application is apparatus foruse in an external environment such as a garden, park, paved area or thelike for the purpose of collecting debris from a surface in theenvironment in a first use of the apparatus and/or in a second use ofthe apparatus, for blowing air from the apparatus in a directed manneronto a surface or area so as to allow debris to be moved to a particularlocation.

The provision of apparatus which allows the collection of debris in anexternal environment is previously known but typically, a user of saidapparatus is provided to sit on or stand behind the apparatus as thesame moves across the surface. The debris which is collected istypically collected into a bag made of a flexible sheet material suchthat the collected debris passes into the bag and the dust and finerparticles which are collected can pass through the bag into theenvironment. This type of apparatus, due to its bulk and weight, tendsto be used exclusively for industrial or commercial usage such as forexample by park authorities, Council authorities, Estate owners and/orthe like.

A further known type of apparatus is that which is typically carried bya user using a shoulder strap and, in this case, an elongate funnel isprovided which can be hand held and directed towards a surface at aparticular location thereon to allow debris to be collected, againtypically into a bag of flexible sheet material. It is also known forthis form of apparatus to be convertible to act as a blower.

A problem with the apparatus which is required to be carried is that ascollected debris builds up in the bag, the apparatus can become heavyand therefore be difficult for the user to use the apparatus for anysignificant period of time. As a result, this form of apparatus tends tobe used simply as apparatus for small scale debris collection.

The aim of the present invention is to provide apparatus which allowsfor the collection and/or blowing of debris and which is in a form so asto be user friendly, yet ensuring that the efficiency of collection ofthe debris is at least maintained or improved with respect to theconventional apparatus.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus which, inuse, is upstanding, said apparatus having a base portion in contact withthe surface from which debris is to be collected in a vacuum mode and/oracross which debris is to be blown in a blower mode and, depending fromsaid base portion, the body of the apparatus supports a collection box,located as part of the apparatus for the reception of debris collectedfrom said surface.

Preferably the apparatus allows user selection of at least two operatingmodes; a first vacuum mode and a second blowing or blower mode.

Preferably the apparatus is of a type being substantially upstanding orupright in use. This allows the apparatus to be moved across a surfacein use by a user, with the user typically standing adjacent theapparatus and steering the same in a required direction. Preferably theapparatus is manually powered and steered by the user.

The apparatus is typically of a type for use exclusively outdoors, suchas in the garden. The apparatus could also be used indoors if required.However, conventional vacuum devices are only capable of use indoors,thus the present invention has a significant advantage over prior artdevices.

Preferably the apparatus is provided with one or more wheels or rollersto allow the apparatus to be moved across a surface in use. In oneexample, the base portion is provided with wheels or rollers associatedtherewith. In a further embodiment the body portion of the apparatus canhave one or more wheels or rollers associated therewith.

The wheels and/or rollers can be mounted on arms and said arms arepreferably movable with respect to the apparatus to allow the positionand/or height of the base portion and/or further portion of theapparatus to be moved between different positions. The required positionis typically selected by a user. For example, the rear or undersidesurface of the apparatus can be moved to different heights relative tothe surface, thereby allowing a suitable height to be selected dependingon the size of the user.

In one embodiment, one or more rear wheels are mounted on one or morearms and said arms are movable between a storage condition and a contactposition; and one or more front wheels or rollers mounted on arms, saidfront and/or rear arms selectively adjustable between a number ofpositions so as to allow the height of the underside of the base portionfrom said surface, to be selected by the alteration of the position ofthe arms with respect to the apparatus.

Typically the apparatus includes a series of passages or channels whichdefine an air flow pathway in the vacuum mode from the base portion ofthe apparatus to the collection box. The air flow passage includes thepassage of air and debris past the vanes of a fan unit prior to enteringthe collection box. Typically, the fan unit is provided so as to allowthe debris which passes in the air flow to be shredded into smallersizes prior to reaching the collection box, thereby allowing improvedload capacity of the collection box.

Typically, when the air and debris enters the collection box, the debrisenters at a location at or adjacent to the upper edge of the collectionbox whereupon the debris falls downwardly into the collection box andthe air exits the collection box through at least one aperture.Typically, the at least one aperture is provided with filter means so asto prevent or minimize the dust particles leaving the collection box.Typically, the filter means includes two filter layers, each of whichcan be selectively removed and preferably are washable.

In one embodiment, the filter means is located in a lid portion whichforms one of the walls of the collection box when closed. Typically thelid portion is hingedly movable between an open position and a closedposition and, when in the closed position, clamping means on the sameengage with the body of the apparatus and collection box to secure thelid in position. These clamping means can also be used to secure thecollection box in position with respect to the body of the apparatus,thereby achieving an effective air seal, between the lid and thecollection box and the collection box and the body of the apparatus atthe location of entry of the air flow and debris into the collection boxfrom the body.

Typically, the fan unit is provided within the body of the apparatus.The fan unit can be driven by any suitable drive means such as anelectronic motor, in which case connection to a power supply isprovided, or an engine in which a fuel tank for the fuel supply for theengine is provided. Although not necessary, in one embodiment themovement of the apparatus along the surface can be driven by connectionof at least one of the wheels to the drive means.

When the apparatus is operated in a vacuum mode, the air flow passesfrom the base portion of the apparatus to the collection box. In ablower mode, air enters the body of the apparatus through at least oneaperture open to the external environment and passes through part of thebody, past the fan unit and then leaves the body of the apparatus via atube or conduit, so as to allow the user to direct the location of theexit of the tube so as to exert the blowing force onto a selectedlocation on the surface. The tube or conduit is typically substantiallyflexible to increase the ease with which the same can be directed to aselected location of the surface or debris.

Typically, in selecting to move between blower and vacuum operations,flap means are moved in the air passageway in response to the userselection. The flap means are located with respect to air passages inthe apparatus so as to allow the selective opening and closure andredirection of air flow depending on the positioning of the flap at thattime.

Preferably first and second flap means are provided which are movable toallow selection between said blower and vacuum modes. Typically, bothflaps are moved in response to user selection means with the flaps beingresiliently biased towards positions for said blowing and vacuumingmodes so that, when in said positions, a seal is achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a third air flow system isprovided within the apparatus, said air flow controlled so as to induceair either from externally of the apparatus or from another air flowwithin the apparatus, and direct said air flow around the motor unit ofsaid apparatus so as to provide a cooling effect. Typically, the fanunit which is connected to the motor, includes a series of vanes which,when the motor is driven, serve to act on the air in this air system andmove the air to provide the cooling effect on the motor.

Typically the fan unit includes a sealing layer or plate which serves toseal the motor and motor chamber from the ingress of water, debris orother material which may be collected by the apparatus, particularlywhen in the vacuuming mode. Typically, the vanes of the fan unit whichimpact on the debris are located at a first side of the sealing plateand the motor unit and motor chamber are located at a second side of thesealing plate or layer.

In one embodiment the motor unit is an electric motor connected by cableto a mains electric supply or battery supply carried on the apparatus.Alternatively the motor unit is a combustion engine and in thisembodiment the engine is connected to a fuel container carried on theapparatus.

Typically, the entry into the base of the apparatus through which theair and debris passes, is provided as wide as possible but is providedwith a series of fingers which, preferably, depend from a side of theaperture, and preferably only one side, towards the opposing side, so asto prevent or minimise the opportunity of a person's hand or other partof their anatomy from entering contact with the fan unit. By providingthe fingers such that they will only depend from one side towards theother side of the aperture, so the opportunity for debris collection andsnagging on the fingers is reduced compared to that which occurs whenthe fingers depend across the entire aperture.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentapparatus can be used exclusively in a vacuum mode (i.e. not have ablower mode) or a blower mode (i.e. not have a vacuum mode) if requiredand, when operated in such exclusive modes, any of the featuresdescribed herein may be provided on the apparatus.

Thus, according to further independent aspects of the present inventionthere is provided a blower apparatus; and a vacuum apparatus.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided vacuum and blowing apparatus, said apparatus having means forselecting between a first vacuum mode and a second blowing mode, a baseportion in contact with a surface from which debris is to be collectedand/or across or relative to which debris is to be blown in use and,depending from said base portion, a body portion of the apparatussupports a collection box for the reception of debris collected fromsaid surface.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 a-d illustrate various views of the apparatus in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional elevation of the apparatus alongthe longitudinal centre line of said apparatus; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional elevation of the apparatus along alongitudinal axis offset to one side of the centre of the apparatus.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 a-d, there is illustrated the apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus, as can be seen, is an upstanding or free standing itemand in this case is provided with a cable to allow the drive means motorto be connected to an electric power supply.

The apparatus 2 has a base portion 4 which is provided to be locatedadjacent to a surface along which the apparatus is provided to be pushedor moved by the user who grips the handle arrangement 6. Adjacent thebase portion are provided a first set of wheels or rollers 8 and asecond rear set of wheels or rollers 10. The first set of wheels orrollers 8 are mounted on an arm 12 which is in turn mounted on a portionof the body 14 of the apparatus. The arm 12 is rotatable as indicated byarrow 16 about a pivot location and is engageable in a series ofpositions via engagement means, such as a ratchet mechanism, so as toallow the adjustment of the height of the wheels 8 and hence allow thedistance between the underside of the base 4 and the surface to beadjustable.

The wheels 10 are mounted on arms 18 which are rotatable about pivotpoint 22 so as to allow the same to be moved, approximately through 90°as indicated by arrow 20 to a storage position wherein the arm 18 andwheels 10 take up less space (i.e. are arranged in closed proximity tothe body of the apparatus). Depending upwardly from the body 14 there isprovided a collection box 24 which is retained within the body betweenthe arms 26, 28, a receiving face 30 on the body and a lid portion 32.The lid portion 32 is shown in the closed position and, when in saidposition, clamping means are provided on the lid portion which engagewith the arms 26, 28 of the body and hence clamp down onto thecollection box acting to retain the collection box in position and alsoacting to form sealing engagement between the lid 32 and the collectionbox 24, and the collection box 24 and receiving base 30.

Also provided externally of the apparatus are cable receiving means 34which are movable between the flush position shown in FIGS. 1 a-d and aprotruding position so as to allow the cable to be wound around thesame. The cable (not shown) is attached to a switch box 36 located onthe handle 6. The switch box 36 includes a lever 38 which, whendepressed by a user, causes the connection of the electricity supply tothe motor within the body of the apparatus and the cable passes from theswitch box to the motor to allow the supply of electricity for the motorto operate. The switch box can also include a neon indicator 40 which,when the electricity supply is provided to the switch box, isilluminated. The handle arrangement 6 comprises a gripping portion 42which is slidably received in members 44, 46 which in turn are receivedin a collet arrangement 48. Rotational adjustment means 50 are providedso as to allow the relative position of the handle 6 to be adjusted byrotation about the member 50. Selective adjustment of the length of thehandle is possible within a predetermined limit by the sliding movementbetween the gripping portion 42 and the members 44 and 46.

Returning now to the lid 32, and although not shown, the lid includestherein filter means, said filter means typically being of a number oflayers, the use of which will be described in mote detail subsequently.

The apparatus also has mounted externally, a flexible hose member 52which is shown in location for storage but which can be removed fromsaid position by a user such that the end 54 of the hose can be directedby the user to a particular location on a surface or to particulardebris on said surface.

In the base unit 4 there is provided an aperture which allows the flowof air into the body of the apparatus. The aperture leads to a passageand said passage includes an aperture 56 selectively open to theenvironment. Both the aperture 56 and the aperture in the base unit areprovided with fingers so as to allow the flow of air through theapertures but act as a safety means to prevent a person's anatomy beingplaced into the apertures.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal aspects of the apparatuscan be described. It should be appreciated that the apparatus is shownin a position for use in contact with a surface 60 and that the surfacemay of course by horizontal rather than as shown in illustrativepurposes.

A key aspect of the apparatus is that there are provided a series of airflow systems some of which can be operated at the same time or areselectively operated. These air flow systems will now be described withreference to parts of the apparatus which are provided internally of thesame.

Base 4 is shown with an aperture 62 which allows the collection ofdebris from the surface 60 as indicated by arrow 64. The debris is thencaused by air flow to pass through the channel or passage as indicatedby the arrows 64 towards a fan unit 66 which rotates about axis 68. Therotation of the vanes of the fan unit 66 causes debris in the air flow64 to be shredded. The action of the fan unit causes the debris and airflow 64 to pass to the side of the fan unit as indicated by arrow 64whereupon, reference to FIG. 3 illustrates the subsequent movement ofthe air flow 64 and debris past the fan unit into a deposition channel70 and into collection box 24. The deposition channel is shaped as shownsuch that debris is emitted at the location 72 near the top of thecollection box and then falls downwardly as indicated by arrows 74 torest at the base of the collection box. By the provision of thedeposition channel of this shape, so the debris in the collection boxcannot re-enter the deposition channel 70 and hence block the air flow64. The air which enters the collection box eventually leaves the sameas indicated by arrow 64 passing through the filter means 76 in the lid32 and leaves the apparatus via the port 78 with the filter meanscollecting dust from the airflow. This therefore completes the first airsystem of the apparatus and illustrates the vacuum function of the same.The lid with the filter means is typically provided adjacent the top ofthe collection means or opposite to the surface on which the debriscollects in the collection means.

The second air flow system can be selectively activated instead of thefirst air flow system herein described and is used in the blower mode.In this case, a user operated manual switch is provided on the body ofthe apparatus. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus is shown in thearrangement where the apparatus is for use in the vacuuming mode.However, when the switch is operated by the user to change from a vacuummode or other mode to a blower mode, then flaps 80 and 82 are pivotallymoved about respective pivot points 84, 86 to the position shown indotted lines in FIGS. 2 and 3, 80′ and 82′ respectively. The movement ofthe flaps serves to alter the air passage as follows. Firstly, themovement of the flap 80 to a position 80′, allows the entry of airthrough aperture 56 as indicated by arrow 86 in FIG. 2. The air thenpasses into the fan unit 66 from where the air passes as indicted byarrows 86 in FIG. 3, until it reaches the flap 82 in position 82′. Thisflap serves to divert the air flow as indicated by arrow 86 towards theentry aperture 88 of pipe 52. The air then enters the pipe 52 movingtherealong to the exit aperture 54 as referred to in FIGS. 1 a-d. As thepipe is flexible, at least in certain portions, the same can be moved toa selected position by the user to provide the blowing effect. Thistherefore concludes the air flow system for the blower option.

A third air flow system is provided to allow a cooling effect to becreated on the motor unit 90 within the body and this air flow isindicated by arrows 92 whereupon air enters the chamber in which themotor unit is mounted, passes around the motor 90 to cool the same andis encouraged to leave the motor chamber by the rotation of the vanes ofa second part 94 of the fan unit which is connected for rotation to themotor unit. The parts 94 and 66 of the fan unit are separated by asealing layer 96 which prevents the ingress of water, debris or dustfrom the fan unit 66 through to the motor chamber. Typically, thesealing layer is provided as a labyrinth seal.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that the base unit will beselectively removable from the apparatus so as to allow theinterchangeability of the same with particular debris collection headsfitted to suit particular tasks. For example, different types ofscraping heads, brush heads and/or the like can be used.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, at the base unit there is provided abrush or strip of flexible material, said brush or strip provided so asto be contactable with the surface as the apparatus base unit 4 is movedalong the surface. The provision of the brush or strip of material incontact with the surface serves to separate debris from the surface andthereby allow the debris to be more easily collectable by the suctionaction of the air flow 64. In one embodiment, the brush unit ispivotally movable such that the same pivots between first and secondpositions upon front and reverse directions of movement of the apparatusand, furthermore, can be pivoted completely out of contact with thesurface for storage.

The present invention therefore provides a unique apparatus for use inan external environment in that the apparatus is upstanding or selfsupporting and includes a collection box as part of the apparatus inuse. Typically the collection box is formed of plastics material and isof a rigid structure such that, for removal of the collection box thelid 32 is opened and the collection box, with debris therein, removedfrom the body of the apparatus and carried to dispose of the debris atthe desired location.

The provision of the three air flow systems in the apparatus firstlyachieves the required cooling effect on the motor and importantly,allows the user selection of the apparatus to be used in a vacuumingmode and a blower mode by simple user selection. The apparatus hereindescribed therefore provides the possibility for users in a domesticsituation to achieve the vacuuming and/or blowing effect in an externalenvironment in a manner which was not previously possible.

1. Apparatus which, in use, is upstanding, said apparatus having a baseportion in contact with the surface from which debris is to be collectedin a vacuum mode and/or across which debris is to be blown in a blowermode and, depending from said base portion, the body of the apparatussupports a collection box, located as part of the apparatus for thereception of debris collected from said surface.
 2. Apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein one or more wheels or rollers are provided forcontact with the surface on which the apparatus is movable in use. 3.Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the one or more wheels or rollersare provided on the base portion of said apparatus.
 4. Apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein the one or more wheels or rollers aremounted on one or more arms, said arms movable between two or moredifferent positions so as to allow the height or position of the baseportion from said surface to be selected.
 5. Apparatus according toclaim 4 wherein one or more of said arms are movable between an in useposition, wherein the wheels or rollers contact the surface, and astorage position.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidapparatus includes a series of passages which define an air flow pathwayin the vacuum mode from the base portion to the collection box, said airflow pathway including the passage of air and debris past the vanes of afan unit prior to entering the collection box.
 7. Apparatus according toclaim 6 wherein the fan unit is provided so as to allow the debris whichpasses in the air flow to be shredded into a smaller size prior toreaching the collection box.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereinwhen air and debris enter the collection box, the debris enters at alocation at or adjacent an upper edge of the collection box andthereafter said debris falls downwardly into the collection box, and theair exits the collection box through at least one aperture.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 8 wherein said at least one aperture is provided withfilter means to prevent or minimise the dust particles leaving thecollection box.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the filtermeans includes at least two filter layers.
 11. Apparatus according toclaim 9 wherein the filter means are located in a lid portion of thecollection box, said lid portion forming one of the walls of thecollection box when in a closed position.
 12. Apparatus according toclaim 11 wherein when the lid portion is in the closed position, the lidis held in position by clamping means which engage with the body of theapparatus and collection box to secure the lid in position. 13.Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the clamping means are also usedto secure the collection box in position with respect to the body of theapparatus.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatusincludes a series of passages which define an air flow pathway in theblower mode, air entering the body of the apparatus through at least oneaperture open to the external environment and passing through part ofthe body, past the fan unit and then leaves the body of the apparatusvia a tube by which the user can direct the air flow.
 15. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein when the apparatus is provided withselection means to allow a user to select between a vacuum mode or ablower mode.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the selectionmeans includes or operates flap means which are movable in air flowpassages in the apparatus in response to user selection to alter theairflow pathway between said vacuum mode and said blower mode. 17.Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein first and second flap means areprovided in said apparatus and each flap means is movable.
 18. Apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein the flap means are moved in response touser selection and said flaps are resiliently biased towards theselected position for said blowing and vacuuming modes.
 19. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein a further airflow system is provided withinthe apparatus, said air flow controlled to induce air either fromexternally of the apparatus or from another air flow within theapparatus and direct said air flow around a motor unit of said apparatusto provide a cooling effect.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereina fan unit in the apparatus includes a sealing layer which serves toseal a motor or motor chamber which drives the fan unit from the ingressof water or debris or other material which may be collected by theapparatus when in the vacuuming mode.
 21. Apparatus according to claim20 wherein vanes of the fan unit which impact on debris being suckedinto the apparatus in the vacuum mode are located on one side of saidsealing layer, and the motor chamber or motor are located on a secondside of said sealing layer.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereinone or more air flow apertures defined in the base and/or body of theapparatus are provided with a series of fingers which depend from a sideof the aperture towards the opposing side so as to prevent or minimizethe opportunity of a person's hand or other part of their anatomy fromentering the aperture.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thebase portion is selectively removable to allow one or more differenttypes of collection heads to be fitted to the apparatus.
 24. Apparatusaccording to claim 23 wherein the one or more collection heads caninclude one or more scraping means or brush means associated therewith.25. Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said scraping means and/orbrush means are pivotally mounted to said collection head.
 26. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the collection box is substantially rigid.27. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is selfsupporting in an in use position.
 28. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein said apparatus is manually powered for movement across asurface.
 29. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus isfor use exclusively in an outdoor environment.
 30. Vacuum apparatus,which, in use, is upstanding, said apparatus having a base portion incontact with the surface from which debris is to be collected in avacuum mode and, depending from said base portion, the body of theapparatus supports a collection box, located as part of the apparatusfor the reception of debris collected from said surface.
 31. BlowerApparatus which, in use, is upstanding, said apparatus having a baseportion in contact with the surface across which debris is to be blownin a blower mode and, depending from said base portion, the body of theapparatus supports a collection box, located as part of the apparatusfor the reception of debris collected from said surface.
 32. Vacuum andblowing apparatus, said apparatus having means for selecting between afirst vacuum mode and a second blowing mode, a base portion in contactwith a surface from which debris is to be collected and/or across orrelative to which debris is to be blown in use and, depending from saidbase portion, a body portion of the apparatus supports a collection boxfor the reception of debris collected from said surface.